An Edinburgh woman who fell into the road and broke her wrist is warning others of the ‘unsafe’ crossing at the bottom of Leith Walk.
Louise Livingstone, 67, fell into the street from the pavement and was helped by members of the public. As tram works near completion, temporary barriers and other roadworks have been put in place at the junction of Leith Walk, Duke Street and Great Junction Street - which Louise said create ‘dangers’ for pedestrians.
She told Edinburgh Live: “I was coming from the Kirkgate at about 5.15pm on Monday.
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“Just there at the Foot of the Walk I was on the edge of the pavement, and then before I knew it I was on the ground. People were around me trying to help.
“A lady grabbed my glasses, which had fallen off my head. I felt the pain straight away, but I was mainly embarrassed.
“Two women helped me, and one man walked me to my partner's house. My partner was a bit mixed up because he’s got dementia, so it was difficult to explain what had happened.”
“Those lights at that crossing are dangerous, the pavement is dodgy and people need to watch out. Hopefully the council can do something about it, and soon.
“I’m not the only person I know who has fallen down there, I know a woman who fell and broke her pelvis in the exact same spot.”
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Louise was too in shock to get the names of those who helped her, but added she was 'very grateful' to them. Her son, David, said she should go to hospital but Louise said she didn’t want to go because she knew how busy they would be.
She added: “At about 4am I decided to phone 111, and ended up getting an appointment for the next day.
“They told me I’d broken my wrist, I got a cast and I’m yet to find out if I have to get surgery. They were all amazing at the hospital and I can’t thank them enough.”
Since her fall, Louise has struggled to get out and about. She told us: “I was out with my partner yesterday, and I told him I wouldn’t be going near the Foot of the Walk. It’s just the anxiety of it all. It’ll take a while before I feel ready.”
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “I’m sorry to hear about this lady’s injury and wish her a speedy recovery. As part of Trams to Newhaven the final road and pavement layout is now in place outside of the Foot of the Walk pub, which includes dropped kerbs and tactile paving to aid people with mobility issues to cross the road.
“Temporary traffic lights have been in operation at Duke Street and Great Junction Street since October 2022 and we’ve not received any reports of issues, however I would encourage this individual to get in touch with the project team or myself to express any concerns.”
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